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Kendrick to start Wednesday vs. Braves

Kendrick to start Wednesday vs. Braves

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Kyle Kendrick

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PHILADELPHIA -- When the Phillies official media notes were distributed on Sunday, there was still a question as to who would start against the Braves on Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park. The line read: RHP Tim Hudson (11-4, 3.45) vs. TBD.

After versatile Kyle Kendrick stepped in to make an emergency start following the trade that sent Joe Blanton to the Dodgers on Friday, both manager Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee hedged when asked who would fill that spot five days later. But Dubee confirmed on Sunday that it will, in fact, be Kendrick.

The 27-year-old righthander has made 14 starts and 12 relief appearances this season, but has always made his preference known.

"I definitely was throwing good out of the bullpen, but I'm happy to be starting again, that's for sure," Kendrick said. "I think they already know a lot about me. I just have to go out there and pitch good. That's the main thing. Maybe teams, not just this team, see that [versatility]. It doesn't do anything but help. But obviously I want to be in the rotation somewhere for a long time."

This will be a financially rewarding appearance for Kendrick, as well. On top of his $3 million base salary, Kendrick gets a $100,000 bonus for making 15 starts.